Understanding the Health Hazard of Dust (PM2.5) During Harmattan Season in Nigeria.

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I was thinking of a better topic to post today, and the only befitting topic that came to my mind was Harmattan and the dust it disperses. This topic is not just befitting, but also timely, as this is the Harmattan season.

The Harmattan in Nigeria and some other West African countries like Ghana, Mali, Chad, Niger, etc., usually between November to March, is always marked by harsh Northeasterly trade wind that is extremely dusty, hazed, and dry. During this season, as we are now, most of us begin to feel changes in our health and environment, including a drop in temperature, skin dryness, frequent respiratory issues, dust accumulation and dispersal, etc. The accumulated dust which is central to post, does not only cause discomfort but carries some fine particles known to Atmospheric Scientists as particulate matter (PM) that are not visible to the human eye, which in turn poses a serious threat to our health. More so, these scientists generally refer to this dust as PM2.5. So, it is pertinent to understand the effect of dust (PM2.5) on our health and ways to stay safe in this season.

What is this PM2.5 and should we be worried about it?

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PM2.5 are fine tiny dust particles of about 2.5 micrometers or less in size and these fine particles are approximately 30 times smaller than the size of the hair on the human head. As a result of their small size, they can circumvent the natural defensive mechanism of the throat and nose, penetrating very deep into the human bloodstream and lungs. During the Harmattan season, the concentration of PM2.5 tends to increase remarkably owing to the dust suspension and dispersal mode of the dust particles, leading to increased exposure of people. When you inhale this particle, the likely severity of the health effect is between a mild and severe range of exposure. Furthermore, cognate attention must be paid to the individual level of exposure and vulnerabilities.

Ways PM2.5 Impact Our Health?

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There are various ways PM 2.5 affects our health, including:

1. Breathing Issues: When we inhale PM2.5, it can irritate our respiratory and even exacerbate pre-existing health situations like: bronchitis, Asthma, and pneumonia. So if you already have any of these conditions, the Harmattan is not your friend as it can repeatedly trigger a series of attacks and even extend the recovery time.

2. Heart-related Problems: The penetration of PM2.5 into the bloodstream can lead to inflammation, a rise in blood pressure levels, and a heightened risk of stroke and heart attack.

3. Itchy Eye: The dust in the atmosphere during Harmattan usually causes our eyes to be red, watery, and itchy as protracted exposure can lead to situations like conjunctivitis.

4. Dry Skin and Itchy Throat: The Harmattan can make the skin very dry. Also, dryness of the throat and cough are common in this season.
   
   How to prevent the health implications of PM2.5 in the Harmattan season
   

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You can prevent the health effects of PM2.5 by staying indoors, using protective wear when stepping outside, drinking more water to stay hydrated, eating foods that can boost your immune system, etc.

For Further reading:

1. https://nypost.com/2024/11/19/health/too-much-pm2-5-at-home-can-cause-health-issues-how-to-minimize-it/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

2. https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/health-and-environmental-effects-particulate-matter-pm?utm_source=chatgpt.com